Installation trailer for coiled flexible pipe and method of utilizing same

ABSTRACT

A system includes a trailer frame, a lifting mechanism coupled to the trailer frame, wherein the lifting mechanism is configured to raise or lower a coil of pipe or a reel of pipe, a braking mechanism configured to apply pressure to the pipe while the pipe is being deployed by the system, and a hydraulic power unit configured to hydraulically power the system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional applicationSer. No. 17/074,826 filed on Oct. 20, 2020, which is a continuation U.S.Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/908,816 filed on Mar. 1, 2018,which is a continuation of International PCT Application No.PCT/US17/55772 filed Oct. 9, 2017 and priority benefit, of U.S.Provisional Application 62/406,231 filed Oct. 10, 2016, the disclosureof which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Flexible pipe is useful in a myriad of environments, including in theoil and gas industry. Flexible pipe may be durable and operational inharsh operating conditions and can accommodate high pressures andtemperatures. Flexible pipe may be bundled and arranged into one or morecoils to facilitate transporting and using the pipe.

Coils of pipe may be positioned in an “eye to the side” or “eye to thesky” orientation. When the flexible pipe is coiled and is disposed withits interior channel facing upwards, such that the coil is in ahorizontal orientation, then the coils of pipe are referred to as beingin an “eye to the sky” orientation. If, instead, the flexible pipe iscoiled and disposed such that the interior channel is not facingupwards, such that the coil is in an upright or vertical orientation,then the coils of pipe are referred to as being in an “eye to the side”orientation.

The flexible pipe may be transported as coils to various sites fordeployment (also referred to as uncoiling or unspooling). Differenttypes of devices and vehicles are currently used for loading andtransporting coils of pipe, but usually extra equipment and human manuallabor is also involved in the process of loading or unloading such coilsfor transportation and/or deployment. Such coils of pipe are often quitelarge and heavy. Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved methodand apparatus for loading and unloading coils of pipe.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that arefurther described below in the detailed description. This summary is notintended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope ofthe claimed subject matter.

In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a systemthat includes a trailer frame, a lifting mechanism coupled to thetrailer frame, wherein the lifting mechanism is configured to raise orlower a coil of pipe or a reel of pipe, a braking mechanism configuredto apply pressure to the pipe while the pipe is being deployed by thesystem, and a hydraulic power unit configured to hydraulically power thesystem.

In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to amethod that includes providing a trailer having a trailer frame, alifting mechanism coupled to the trailer frame, a braking mechanism, anda hydraulic power unit configured to hydraulically power the trailer.The method also includes coupling a coil of pipe or a reel of pipe tothe lifting mechanism, adjusting a vertical position of the coil of pipeor the reel of pipe via the lifting mechanism, deploying the pipe viarotation of the coil of pipe or the reel of pipe, and applying pressureto the deploying pipe via the braking mechanism.

Other aspects and advantages of the claimed subject matter will beapparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an installation trailer according to embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a coil of spoolable pipe according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a reel of spoolable pipe according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an installation trailer according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective exploded view of an installation traileraccording to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a portion of an installation trailer accordingto embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of an installation traileraccording to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an installation trailer having are-rounding mechanism according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an installation trailer with a coil ofspoolable pipe according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a side view of an installation trailer with a reel ofspoolable pipe according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an installation trailer in an expandedconfiguration according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an installation trailer in a collapsedconfiguration according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of an installation traileraccording to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an installation trailer in an expandedconfiguration according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an installation trailer from a frontside according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a side view of an installation trailer according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a top view of an installation trailer according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a rear view of an installation trailer according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a front view of an installation trailer according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an installation trailer in a collapsedconfiguration according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an installation trailer from a frontside according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a side view of an installation trailer shown in according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a top view an installation trailer according to embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a rear view of an installation trailer according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a front view of an installation trailer according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems usedfor deploying coils of flexible pipe. The coils of pipe may beself-supported, for example, using bands to hold coils together. Thecoils of pipe may be self-supported, for example, using bands to holdcoils together, or the coils of pipe may be supported around a reel(which may be referred to as a reel of pipe). Deployment systemsaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure may include aninstallation trailer that includes a trailer frame, a lifting mechanismcoupled to the trailer frame that is configured to raise or lower a coilof pipe or a reel of pipe, a braking mechanism configured to applypressure to the pipe while the pipe is being deployed by the system, anda hydraulic power unit configured to hydraulically power the system.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below withreference to the figures. In one aspect, embodiments disclosed hereinrelate to embodiments for deploying spoolable pipe from an installationtrailer.

As used herein, the term “coupled” or “coupled to” may indicateestablishing either a direct or indirect connection, and is not limitedto either unless expressly referenced as such. The term “set” may referto one or more items. Wherever possible, like or identical referencenumerals are used in the figures to identify common or the sameelements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain featuresand certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale forpurposes of clarification.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of an installationtrailer 10. As described in detail below, the installation trailer 10may be used to deploy spoolable pipe 12, which may refer to any type offlexible pipe or piping capable of being bent into a coil. The spoolablepipe 12 may be wound on a spool or reel, or the spoolable pipe 12 may behandled as coils without spools or reels. Such reels or coils ofspoolable pipe 12 may reduce the amount of space taken up by pipe duringmanufacturing, shipping, transportation, and deployment compared torigid pipe that is not capable of being bent into a coil.

Pipe, as understood by those of ordinary skill, may be a tube to conveyor transfer any water, gas, oil, or any type of fluid known to thoseskilled in the art. The spoolable pipe 12 may be made of any type ofmaterials including without limitation plastics, metals, a combinationthereof, composites (e.g., fiber reinforced composites), or othermaterials known in the art. The flexible pipe of the spoolable pipe 12is used frequently in many applications, including without limitation,both onshore and offshore oil and gas applications. Flexible pipe mayinclude Flexible Composite Pipe (FCP) or Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe(RTP). A FCP/RTP pipe may itself be generally composed of severallayers. In one or more embodiments, a flexible pipe may include ahigh-density polyethylene (“HDPE”) pipe having a reinforcement layer andan HDPE outer cover layer. Thus, flexible pipe may include differentlayers that may be made of a variety of materials and also may betreated for corrosion resistance. For example, in one or moreembodiments, pipe used to make up a coil of pipe may have a corrosionprotection shield layer that is disposed over another layer of steelreinforcement. In this steel-reinforced layer, helically wound steelstrips may be placed over a liner made of thermoplastic pipe. Flexiblepipe may be designed to handle a variety of pressures. Further, flexiblepipe may offer unique features and benefits versus steel/carbon steelpipe lines in the area of corrosion resistance, flexibility,installation speed and re-usability.

The installation trailer 10 of FIG. 1 includes a trailer frame 14 thatprovides a base and support for other components of the installationtrailer 10, such as a lifting mechanism 16 coupled to the trailer frame14. The trailer frame 14 may be constructed of one or more structuralcomponents, such as, but not limited to, beams, columns, posts, tubes,sheets, and so forth, coupled to one another via various techniques,such as, but not limited to, bolts, screws, welds, brazing, and soforth. The trailer frame 14 may be made from steel or other metalalloys. The lifting mechanism 16 may be configured to raise or lower acoil of spoolable pipe 12 or a reel of spoolable pipe 12, as describedin detail below. The installation trailer 10 may also include a brakingmechanism 18 configured to apply pressure (to create back tension) tothe spoolable pipe 12 while the spoolable pipe 12 is being deployed bythe installation trailer 10, as described in detail below. Finally, theinstallation trailer 10 may include a hydraulic power unit 20 configuredto hydraulically power the installation trailer 10. The hydraulic powerunit 20 may be coupled to the trailer frame 14 or disposed on a separateskid in certain embodiments. The installation trailer 10 may include twoor more wheels 22 to enable the installation trailer 10 to be moved. Thewheels 22 may be tires or continuous tracks to accommodate movement ondifferent types of terrain. Further, certain embodiments may includeappropriate wheels 22 to enable the installation trailer 10 be towedalong roadways on the wheels 22.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a coil 30 ofspoolable pipe 12. The coil 30 may be defined by an axial axis ordirection 32, a radial axis or direction 34, and a circumferential axisor direction 36. The coil 30 may be formed by wrapping the spoolablepipe 12 into a coil with an interior channel 38 formed axially 32therethrough, where the coil 30 may be moved as a single package orbundle of coiled pipe, as shown in FIG. 2 . Each complete turn of coiledpipe may be referred to as a wrap of pipe. Multiple wraps of pipe in thecoil 30 may be configured in columns along the axial direction 32 of thecoil 30 and/or configured in layers along the radial direction 34 of thecoil 30. For example, multiple columns of wraps may be formed along theaxial direction 32 of the coil 30, where an axial dimension 40 of thecoil 30 is based on the diameter of the pipe 12 and the number and axial32 position of wraps forming the coil 30. Further, multiple layers ofwraps may be formed along the radial direction 34 of the coil 30, wherea radial dimension 42 of the coil 30 is based on the diameter of thepipe and the number and radial 34 position of the wraps forming the coil30. In certain embodiments, a weight of the coil 30 may exceed 40,000pounds (18,144 kilograms). As such, the trailer frame 14 and othercomponents of embodiments of the installation trailer 10 may beconfigured to handle such coils 30 that other trailers not having thefeatures of the installation trailer 10 cannot. For example, thestructural members 80 of embodiments of the installation trailer 10 maybe larger or heavier than ones used in other trailers. In one or moreembodiments, the coil 30 may be disposed on a reel, which is furtherdiscussed below in FIG. 3 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the coil 30 of spoolable pipe 12 may be one or morelayers (e.g., layers 44 and 46) of pipe packaged or bundled into thecoil 30. The coil 30 may include at least one or more layers of pipethat have been coiled into a particular shape or arrangement. As shownin FIG. 2 , the coil 30 is coiled into a substantially cylindrical shapehaving substantially circular bases 48 and 50 formed on each end of thecoil 30, where the axial dimension 40 of the coil 30 is measured betweenthe two bases 48 and 50.

As known to those of ordinary skill in the art, the spoolable pipe 12used to make up the coil 30 shown in FIG. 2 may be coiled using spoolersor other coiler machines suited for such a function. Those of ordinaryskill will recognize that the present disclosure is not limited to anyparticular form of coiler or other device that may be used to form pipeinto a coil. Coiling pipe into a coil of pipe, such as 30, assists whentransporting pipe, which may be several hundred feet in length in one ormore embodiments. Further, the coil 30 may be assembled as a coil tofacilitate deployment of the coil. Deployment, as described above andused herein, may refer to the action of unspooling or unwinding thespoolable pipe 12 from the coil 30.

After being assembled into a coil, the coil 30 shown in FIG. 2 mayinclude the interior channel 38 formed axially 32 through the coil 30.The interior channel 38 is a bore disposed generally in the center ofthe coil 30. The interior channel 38 is substantially circular-shaped.The coil 30 may have an outer diameter (OD) and an inner diameter (ID),where the inner diameter is defined by the interior channel 38. As shownin FIG. 2 , one or more bands 52 may be wrapped around the coil 30 tohelp prevent the coil 30 from unraveling. When the spoolable pipe 12 isdeployed, the bands 52 may be cut at one or more desired locations, asdescribed in detail below.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a reel 60 ofspoolable pipe 12. In many instances, the coil 30 of spoolable pipe 12may be wound around the components of the reel 60, instead oftransported as a bundled, freestanding package (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2). The coil 30 may be wound around the reel 60 such that the interiorchannel of the coil 30 is concentric with a central bore of the reel 60.A reel, as understood by those of ordinary skill, may include acylindrical drum, such as cylindrical drum 62, around which layers ofpipe may be wrapped to form the coil 30. The reel 60 may include twosubstantially circular reel ends 64 and 66 that are capable of turningabout a shared axis. Accordingly, the reel ends 64 and 66 may beattached to the cylindrical drum 62.

As shown in FIG. 3 , a bore 68 is disposed in each end 64 and 66 at asubstantially central position. In addition, the bores 68 for each end64 and 66 are substantially aligned with each other (and may also bealigned with a central axis of cylindrical drum 62). Spoolable pipe 12(e.g. flexible pipe) may be wound around the cylindrical drum 62 usingany means known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of theinstallation trailer 10, which may have a front side 70 and a rear side72. In the illustrated embodiment, the trailer frame 14 is made fromseveral structural members 80 coupled to one another such that thetrailer frame 14 may support the other components of the installationtrailer 10 and the weight of the coil 30 or reel 60, which may exceed40,000 pounds (18,144 kilograms). For example, the structural members 80may be made from square steel tubing or steel I-beams. The trailer frame14 may include a trailer connection point 82, which may be a hitch, suchas a draw bar hitch. A draw bar hitch may be a type of tow hitch thatincludes a ball extending from a bar and configured to secure a hook ora socket combination for the purpose of towing or being towed. Those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other types of towhitches and attachment systems may be used to attach another vehicle tothe installation trailer 10.

Accordingly, a vehicle (not shown) may be fitted with a connector orattachment system known to those of ordinary skill in the art forconnecting to the installation trailer 10. In one or more embodiments, avehicle used to tow the installation trailer 10 may include withoutlimitation, a dozer, a front-end loader, or excavator, for example, whenthe installation trailer 10 is fully loaded with the coil 30 or reel 60,or by standard trucks, automobiles, or other vehicles, for example, whenthe installation trailer 10 is in an unloaded state (i.e. is notcarrying the coil 30 or reel 60). The installation trailer 10 may befurther designed for off-road use, such that the wheels 22 coupled tothe trailer frame 14 are also designed for off-road use. In someembodiments, the wheels 22 may be wide base tires (e.g., super singletires) coupled to heavy duty hubs. Thus, the installation trailer 10 maybe adapted for use with many types of roads and terrains. In certainembodiments, the installation trailer 10 is capable of deploying thespoolable pipe 12 by means of towing the installation trailer 10 along apipeline path or keeping the installation trailer 10 stationary andpulling the spoolable pipe 12 off the installation trailer 10.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the lifting mechanism 16 may be used to raise andlower coils 30 or reels 60 with the use of two pairs of “j-shaped”hooks. A lower set of hooks 84 can lift coils 30 or reels 60 with afirst range of diameters (e.g., between approximately 12 to 13.5 feet)and an upper set of hooks 86 can lift coils 30 or reels 60 with a secondrange of diameters (e.g., between approximately 13.6 to 16 feet) that isgreater than the first range. The two sets of lifting hooks 84 and 86may be mechanically connected to one another and may be raised andlowered by use of hydraulic cylinders capable of lifting or loweringcoils 30 or reels 60 that may exceed 40,000 pounds (18,144 kilograms).

In the illustrated embodiment, the braking mechanism 18 may beconfigured as a pipe brake that applies pressure to the spoolable pipe12 perpendicular to the helical wrapping of the spoolable pipe 12. Forexample, the braking mechanism 18 may include a pipe-contactingcomponent 88 coupled to support components 90. The pipe-contactingcomponents 88 may be a solid or hollow beam, pipe, tube, or column. Incertain embodiments, the pipe-contacting component 88 may be in twoparts to help maintain contact with the spoolable pipe 12 as each layeris being deployed, as described in detail below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hydraulic power unit 20 may becoupled to the trailer frame 14 near the trailer connection point 82.For example, the hydraulic power unit 20 may include an electric-startgasoline or diesel engine, 2-stage hydraulic pump, hydraulic fluidreservoir, and gasoline reservoir configured to provide hydraulic powerto the hydraulic components of the installation trailer 10, such as thehydraulic cylinders of the lifting mechanism 14 or other hydrauliccylinders described below.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the installation trailer 10 may include a coilcontainment cage 92 that may be made from several structural members 94coupled to one another. For example, the structural members 94 may bemade from square steel tubing. As described in detail below, the coilcontainment cage 92 may be used to block undesired movement of coils 30of spoolable pipe 12, such as movement in the axial 32 direction outsidethe coil containment cage 92. In other words, the coil containment cage92 provides side containment of the coils 30. Since the circular reelends 64 and 66 of the reel 60 provide a similar function, the coilcontainment cage 92 may be omitted when the installation trailer 10 isused for deploying reels 60. In certain embodiments, one or more rollers96 may be coupled to the coil containment cage 92 to reduce friction orpossible damage to the outer surface of the spoolable pipe 12 when thespoolable pipe 12 contacts the coil containment cage 92.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of theinstallation trailer 10 to better show how the components of theinstallation trailer 10 may be coupled to one another in certainembodiments. In particular, the braking mechanism 18 may include one ormore braking posts 110 that fit into one or more corresponding trailerframe braking posts 112. Similarly, the coil containment cage 92 mayinclude one or more cage posts 114 that fit into one or morecorresponding trailer frame cage posts 116. Thus, the modular andinterchangeable design of the illustrated embodiment of the installationtrailer 10 enables the functionality of the installation trailer 10 tobe easily modified depending on the needs of a particular deployment.For example, different types of braking mechanisms 18 may be used or thecoil containment cage 92 omitted when deploying reels 60. The posts 110,112, 114, and 116 may be various types of hollow or solid posts, beams,columns, or stands coupled to each other using various fasteningtechniques, such as bolts, screws, pins, and so forth. In furtherembodiments where modularity or interchangeability is not used, thecomponents of the installation trailer 10 may be coupled to one anothervia welding, brazing, or similar techniques.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a portion of an embodiment of theinstallation trailer 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the trailerframe 14 includes a first rear structural member 130 coupled to a rearcross-member 132 via a first hinge 134 and a second rear structuralmember 136 coupled to the rear cross-member 132 via a second hinge 138.The first and second hinges 134 and 138 enable the trailer frame 14 tobe collapsible such that a collapsed system width 140 is less than anexpanded system width 142. In other words, the first and second hinges134 and 138 enable the first and second rear structural members 130 and136 to fold inward (e.g., collapsed configuration). As such, the wheels22 do not extend beyond the collapsed system width 140 when the trailerframe 14 is in the collapsed configuration. In FIG. 6 , the first rearstructural member 130 is shown collapsed and the second rear structuralmember 136 is shown expanded. The collapsed system width 140 of thecollapsed configuration may reduce transportation requirementsassociated with shipping the installation trailer 10. A hinge pin may beinserted into corresponding hinge openings 140 in the first and secondhinges 134 and 138 and first and second rear structural members 130 and136 to maintain the installation trailer 10 in the collapsedconfiguration or an expanded configuration (e.g., with the expandedsystem width 142). Other techniques may also be used to facilitatecollapsing the installation trailer 10 as discussed below.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment ofthe installation trailer 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the brakingmechanism 18 includes the pipe-contacting component 88 coupled to thesupport components 90. As shown in FIG. 7 , the pipe-contactingcomponent 88 includes a first pipe brake tube 160 coupled to one or morefirst pipe brake arms 162 and a second pipe brake tube 164 coupled toone or more second pipe brake arms 166. The first and second pipe brakearms 162 and 166 may fit within corresponding brake arm sockets 168 ofthe support components 90. The first and second pipe brake arms 162 and166 may extend outward from the brake arm sockets 168 hydraulically(e.g., using the hydraulic power unit 20) or manually to contact thefirst and second pipe brake tubes 160 and 164 against the spoolable pipe12 as it is being deployed. Thus, the braking mechanism 18 appliespressure to the spoolable pipe 12 and helps prevent undesiredunspooling, free-spooling, or backlash of the spoolable pipe 12. Inaddition, by providing two pipe brake tubes 160 and 164, the brakingmechanism 18 may be able to provide pressure axially 32 across the axialdimension 40 as the spoolable pipe 12 deploys. In other words, as alayer of spoolable pipe 12 deploys, the first portion of the axialdimension 40 where the spoolable pipe 12 has been deployed will have asmaller radial dimension 42 than a second portion of the axial dimension40 where the spoolable pipe 12 has not been deployed. Thus, the firstpipe brake tube 160 may extend further out of the brake arm sockets 168to contact the first portion of the axial dimension 40 than the secondpipe brake tube 164 contacting the second portion of the axial dimension40. In further embodiments, the pipe-contacting component 88 may includemore than two pipe brake tubes or the pipe-contacting component 88 maybe configured as a single pipe brake tube.

In certain embodiments, one or more band cutters 170 may be attached tothe pipe brake tubes 160 and 164, brake arms 162 and 166, brake armsockets 168, or other portions of the braking mechanism 18. The bandcutters 170 may include a cutting portion 172 that is sharpened to beable to cut through the bands 52. By coupling the band cutters 170 tothe pipe brake tubes 160 and 164 or brake arms 162 and 166, the bandcutters 170 may be in position to cut through the bands 52 because thepipe brake tubes 160 and 164 are in contact with the outer layer orlayers of the coil 30. In certain embodiments, the band cutters 170 maybe made from multiple components to enable the cutting portion 172 to beremoved or replaced. In further embodiments, the band cutters 170 may beomitted and other techniques (e.g., manual band cutting) used to cut thebands 52. In general, the embodiments of the braking mechanism 18 andband cutters 170 shown in FIG. 7 may be used with any of the embodimentsof the installation trailer 10 described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of theinstallation trailer 10 having a re-rounding mechanism 190 configured tore-round the deploying spoolable pipe 12. In the illustrated embodiment,the re-rounding mechanism 190 is coupled to structural members 80 of thetrailer frame 14 via one or more re-rounding supports 192, which may bemade from square steel tubing or steel I-beams, for example. In certainembodiments, the spoolable pipe 12 may have an oval cross-sectionalshape when coiled. In other words, the spoolable pipe 12 may not have acircular cross-sectional shape. Embodiments of the re-rounding mechanism190 may use rollers or other components with circular orpartially-circular shapes to re-shape the spoolable pipe 12 to have acircular or substantially circular cross-sectional shape when therollers or other components are engaged with or pressed against thespoolable pipe 12. For example, the re-rounding mechanism 190 mayinclude one or more pairs of rollers located approximately 180 degreesapart from one another that engage with an outer surface of thespoolable pipe 12. Other types of re-rounding mechanisms 190 andre-rounding techniques may also be used. For example, the re-roundingmechanisms 190 may use a clamp or other device to push against some orall of the outer surface of the spoolable pipe 12. In certainembodiments, the re-rounding mechanisms 190 may be configured to moveaxially 32 back and forth along the re-rounding support 192 as thespoolable pipe 12 deploys or the re-rounding mechanisms 190 may beconfigured to tilt or pivot in other ways to correspond to theorientation of the deploying spoolable pipe 12 and reduce any undesiredforces exerted on the spoolable pipe 12. In general, the embodiment ofthe re-rounding mechanism 190 shown in FIG. 8 may be used with any ofthe embodiments of the installation trailer 10 described herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the installationtrailer 10 with the coil 30 of the spoolable pipe 12 disposed about adrum assembly 210 that may be used to handle the coil 30 in a similarmanner to the reel 60. However, use of the drum assembly 210 providescertain benefits over handling reels 60 of spoolable pipe 12. Forexample, one drum assembly 210 may be used to handle many coils 30without the logistics associated with empty reels or spools. Inaddition, use of the drum assembly 10 enables heavier coils 30 ofspoolable pipe 12 to be handled and transported because the weight ofthe reels 60 is not involved. In the illustrated embodiment, the drumassembly 210 includes a support bar 212, expandable spokes 214, drumsegments 216, and spoke frames 218. The support bar 212 may be used tohandle the drum assembly 10 and provide support for the variouscomponents of the drum assembly 210. The expandable spokes 214 may movebetween retracted and extended positions to enable the drum assembly 210to be inserted or removed from the coil 30. The drum segments 216 mayhave a semi-circular shape to correspond to the semi-circular shape ofthe interior channel 38. When the drum assembly 210 is in the extendedposition, the drum segments 216 may contact the coil 30 with enoughpressure on the interior channel 38 such that the coil 30 is secured tothe drum assembly 210. The spoke frames 218 may be used to providecross-support to the expandable spokes 214. As shown in FIG. 9 , thesupport bar 212 may fit in either the lower or upper set of hooks 84 and86 depending on an overall diameter of the coil 30. In furtherembodiments, other types of drum assemblies 210 may be used to deploycoils 30 using the installation trailer 10. In addition, the embodimentof the drum assembly 210 shown in FIG. 9 may be used with any of theembodiments of the installation trailer 10 described herein.

The side view of FIG. 9 also provides another perspective of some of thefeatures of the installation trailer 10 discussed above. For example,the braking mechanism 18 is shown proximate the outermost layer of thecoil 30, thereby providing pressure (or back tension) to the deployingspoolable pipe 12. In certain embodiments, the braking mechanism 18 mayinclude one or brake stops 220 to help prevent the braking mechanism 18from contacting the drum assembly 210, such as when all the spoolablepipe 12 has been deployed from the drum assembly 210. In certainembodiments, the brake stop 220 may be a pin that is inserted into thepipe brake arm 162 to prevent the pipe-contacting component 88 fromtraveling far enough to contact the drum assembly 210. The pin of thebrake stop 220 may be inserted into different positions along the pipebrake arm 162 depending on the diameter of the drum assembly 210. Inother embodiments, the brake stop 220 may be configured hydraulically orelectrically to limit the travel of the pipe-contacting component 88 ina similar manner. In addition, the coil 30 is shown disposed within thecoil containment cage 92.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the installationtrailer 10 with the reel 60 of the spoolable pipe 12. In the illustratedembodiment, a reel axle 230 has been inserted into the bore 68 of thereel 60 to enable the installation trailer 10 to deploy the spoolablepipe 12 from the reel 60. The reel axle 230 may be a solid cylinder ofsteel or similar metal capable of supporting the weight of the reel 60.Reel axle bushings or other types of bearings may be provided on theends of the reel axle 230 or the bore 68 to reduce friction duringrotation of the reel 60 during deployment of the spoolable pipe 12. Thereel axle bushings may be secured by pins or similar devices. As shownin FIG. 10 , the reel axle 230 may fit in either the lower or upper setof hooks 84 and 86 depending on an overall diameter of the reel 60. Thebraking mechanism 18 is shown proximate the outermost layer of the reel60, thereby providing pressure to the deploying spoolable pipe 12. Incertain embodiments, the braking mechanism 18 may also include brakestops 220 to help prevent the braking mechanism 18 from contacting thecylindrical drum 62, such as when all the spoolable pipe 12 has beendeployed from the reel 60. As shown in FIG. 10 , the coil containmentcage 92 may not be used when deploying reels 60. Thus, embodiments ofthe installation trailer 10 may be used to deploy either coils 30 orreels 60, which may not be true of other trailers that lack the featuresof the installation trailer 10.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of theinstallation trailer 10 in an expanded configuration. The illustratedembodiment of the installation trailer 10 includes several componentsdescribed in detail above. For example, the installation trailer 10includes the trailer frame 14, which may include a rear gate 238. Therear gate 238 may be opened to enable coils 30 or reels 60 to beinserted into the installation trailer 10. For example, the installationtrailer 10 may be moved toward a stationary coil 30 or reel 60, whichmay then be coupled to the lifting mechanism 16, and the rear gate 238closed prior to deployment. The rear gate 238 provides additionalsupport and stability to the trailer frame 14 when the rear gate 238 isclosed. In addition, the rear gate 238 may provide an additional supportpoint for the spoolable pipe 12 as it deploys from the installationtrailer 10. For example, the spoolable pipe 12 may rest on a lower orupper horizontal beam of the rear gate 238 during deployment. Thetrailer frame 14 may also include ladders 240 or platforms 242 forpersonnel access. Further, the trailer frame 14 may be collapsible, asdescribed in detail below. As shown in FIG. 11 , the installationtrailer 10 has the expanded system width 142.

The embodiment of the installation trailer 10 shown in FIG. 11 may alsoinclude the lifting mechanism 16, which is configured to move coils 30or reels 60 at an angle 244 with respect to the trailer frame 14. Inparticular, the lifting mechanism 16 may include an axle coupler 246that moves along an inclined lifting beam 248, which may be accomplishedmanually, electrically, or hydraulically. Moving coils 30 or reels 60 atthe angle 244 may reduce the amount of force compared to movementstraight up or down. In FIG. 11 , the braking mechanism 18 may include acaliper brake 250 that includes one or more calipers 252 disposedagainst a rotor 254, which may be coupled to the lifting mechanism 16.The caliper brake 250 may be used to slow or stop rotation of the coil30 or reel 60 during deployment, thereby helping to prevent undesiredunspooling, free-spooling, or backlash of the spoolable pipe 12. Ingeneral, the embodiment of the caliper brake 250 shown in FIG. 11 may beused with any of the embodiments of the installation trailer 10described herein. Further, the braking mechanism 18 may include thepipe-contacting component 88 and support components 90 described above.The installation trailer 10 may also include the hydraulic power unit 20disposed near the front side 70. In addition, the installation trailermay include wheels 22 disposed near the rear side 72. In the illustratedembodiment, the two wheels 22 on each side may be coupled to a frame 256that tilts about a pivot 258 to enable the installation trailer 10 tomove easily over uneven terrain.

The installation trailer 10 shown in FIG. 11 may be used to handle bothcoils 30 and reels 60. When deploying coils 30, containment flanges 260may be used in a similar manner to the coil containment cage 92described above. For example, the containment flanges 260 may serve asimilar function as the reel ends 64 and 66 of the reel 60. In otherwords, the containment flanges 260 may block undesired movement of coils30 of spoolable pipe 12, such as movement in the axial 32 directionoutside the containment flanges 260 (e.g., side containment). As shownin FIG. 11 , the containment flanges 260 may be coupled to the liftingmechanism 16. When the installation trailer 10 is used to deploy reels60, the containment flanges 260 may be moved axially 32 to accommodatethe reels 60. In other words, the two containment flanges 260 may bemoved apart from one another to create additional space between thecontainment flanges 260. This feature may also be used to accommodatecoils 30 with different axial dimensions 40. In other words, the twocontainment flanges 260 may be moved closer to one another for coils 30with smaller axial dimensions 40 to adequately block undesired movementof the coils 30 outside the containment flanges 260. In general, theembodiment of the containment flanges 260 shown in FIG. 11 may be usedwith any of the embodiments of the installation trailer 10 describedherein.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of theinstallation trailer 10 in a collapsed configuration, such that thecollapsed system width 140 is less than the expanded system width 142shown in FIG. 11 . Certain features of the lifting mechanism 16 andbraking mechanism 18 have been removed for clarity. The installationtrailer 10 includes one or more hinges 270 that enable the installationtrailer 10 to be collapsed and expanded. For example, the hinges 270 mayallow structural members 80 of the trailer frame 14 to move toward eachother. Additional hinges 270 (not shown) may be located near the frontside 70 or in other locations to facilitate collapse of the installationtrailer 10. In addition, the rear gate 238 may be configured to folddown as shown in FIG. 12 .

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment ofthe installation trailer 10. In the illustrated embodiment, each of thecontainment flanges 260 may be made from a first flange component 280coupled to a second flange component 282 via a flange hinge 284. Thus,the containment flanges 260 may be folded upon themselves to reduce theoverall size of the containment flanges 260, such as during transport orshipping. Such embodiments of the containment flanges 260 may also bereferred to as truncated containment flanges 260. For example, after thecontainment flanges 260 are folded, the containment flanges 260 may berotated circumferentially 36 to have the flange hinges 284 pointingupwards, thereby reducing a height 286 of the installation trailer 10when in the collapsed configuration. In addition, FIG. 13 shows the reargate 238 in an open position, such as when coils 30 or reels 60 areinserted into the installation trailer 10.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of theinstallation trailer 10 in an expanded configuration. The illustratedembodiment of the installation trailer 10 includes several componentsdescribed in detail above. For example, the lifting mechanism 16includes the axle coupler 246 and inclined lifting beam 248. Inaddition, the lifting mechanism 16 may include a hydraulic cylinder 300coupled to the axle coupler 246 via a lifting extension 302. Thehydraulic cylinder 300 may be used to move the axle coupler 246 alongthe inclined lifting beam 248 to move coils 30 or reels 60 up or down.The lifting extension 302 may be a belt, chain, or similar device toeffectively extend the reach of the hydraulic cylinder 300. One or bothof the hydraulic cylinder 300 and axle coupler 246 may include rollers304 to enable the lifting extension 302 to at least partially rotateabout the rollers 304. In certain embodiments, a track or rail 306 maybe formed in the inclined lifting beam 248 to enable the axle coupler246 to securely move along the inclined lifting beam 248. In otherembodiments, the lifting extension 302 may be omitted or othertechniques used to move the axle coupler 246 along the inclined liftingbeam 248.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 14 , the containment flanges 260may be configured differently than that shown in FIG. 13 . Specifically,the containment flanges 260 may include one or more containment flangeextensions 308 configured to extend radially 34 out from the containmentflanges 260. For example, each containment flange 260 may have two fixedportions 310 that extend in first and second circumferential 36directions spaced approximately 90 degrees apart from one another andtwo containment flange extensions 308 that extend in third and fourthcircumferential 36 directions spaced approximately 90 degrees apart fromone another. Thus, the fixed portions 310 and containment flangeextensions 308 together provide containment evenly about the containmentflanges 260. Further, retraction of the containment flange extensions308 reduces the overall dimensions of the containment flanges 260 andthe installation trailer 10, which may be useful when the installationtrailer 10 is shipped or transported. The containment flange extensions308 may be extended manually or hydraulically. In certain embodiments,the containment flanges 260 include drive sections 312, which may beconfigured to engage with the support bar 212 of the drum assembly 210or the reel axle 230 of the reel 60. As shown in FIG. 14 , the drivesections 312 may include an opening 314 with a shape complementary tothat of the support bar 212 or the reel axle 230 such that rotation ofthe support bar 212 or the reel axle 230 causes rotation of thecontainment flanges 260. For example, the opening 314 may have agenerally rectangular shape to engage with a generally square orrectangular cross-sectional shape of the support bar 212 or the reelaxle 230. In general, the embodiment of the containment flanges 260shown in FIG. 14 may be used with any of the embodiments of theinstallation trailer 10 described herein.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of theinstallation trailer 10 shown in FIG. 14 , but from the front side 70.In the illustrated embodiment, four hinges 270 are located near thefront side 70, which may enable a front section 330 of the installationtrailer 10 to move perpendicular to the axial 32 direction (e.g., towardor away from the front side 70). In other words, when the hinges 270 areextended (e.g., approximately parallel to the axial 32 direction), thefront section 330 may be extended toward the front side 70, which alsoextends the side structural members 80 outwards (e.g., axially 32) sothe installation trailer 10 is at the expanded system width 142 and alength 332 of the installation trailer 10 is also increased. When thehinges 270 are retracted (e.g., approximately perpendicular to the axial32 direction), the front section 330 may be retracted toward the rearside 72, which also retracts the side structural members 80 inward, asdescribed in detail below.

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the installationtrailer 10 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 . In the illustrated embodiment, theangle 244 of the inclined lifting beam 248 is shown with respect to thehorizontal portion of the trailer frame 14. Thus, the lifting mechanism16 is used to move the coil 30 or reel 60 along the angle 244, whichalso adjusts the height of the coil 30 or reel 60 above the surface thatthe installation trailer 10 is on. Further, the illustrated embodimentshows the use of the drum assembly 210 to handle the coil 30. In otherembodiments, reels 60 may be handled in a similar manner as discussedabove. The illustrated embodiment also shows how the containment flanges260 provide containment across the diameter of the coil 30 via the useof the containment flange extensions 308 and the fixed portions 310.Finally, FIG. 16 shows the height 286 and length 332 of the installationtrailer 10 in the expanded configuration.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the embodiment of the installation trailer 10shown in FIGS. 14-16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the front section330 is located extended toward the front side 70 since the installationtrailer 10 is in the expanded configuration. Accordingly, theinstallation trailer 10 is shown with the expanded system width 142.Other aspects of the installation trailer 10 are described above.

FIG. 18 illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of the installationtrailer 10 shown in FIGS. 14-17 . In the illustrated embodiment, thecoil 30 is shown with the axial dimension 40 and the installationtrailer 10 is shown with containment flange width 350. In certainembodiments, the containment flanges 260 may be adjustable axially 32 toaccommodate coils 30 with different axial dimensions 40. In other words,the containment flanges 260 may be moved inward toward each other sothat the containment flange width 350 is substantially the same as theaxial dimension 40 of the coil 30, which may reduce the potential forthe spoolable pipe 12 to move outside of the axial dimension 40. Incertain embodiments, one or more containment posts 352 may be coupled tocontainment flanges 260 to enable the containment flanges 260 to moveaxially 32. In other words, the containment posts 352 may extend outwardfrom the lifting mechanism 16 when the containment flanges 260 areretracted away from the coil 30 and the containment posts 352 may notextend outward or extend less from the lifting mechanism 16 when thecontainment flanges 260 are extended against the coil 30. Thecontainment posts 352 may be circular steel posts or similar columns orbeams configured to extend through openings formed in the liftingmechanism 16. Other aspects of the installation trailer 10 are describedabove.

FIG. 19 illustrates a front view of the embodiment of the installationtrailer 10 shown in FIGS. 14-18 . In the illustrated embodiment, thehinges 270 are shown in more detail. For example, the hinges 270 on thefront section 330 may be coupled to hinges 270 on the side structuralmembers 80 by leaves 370. Thus, the leaves 370 are generally alignedwith the axial axis 32 when the installation trailer 10 is in theextended configuration. Other aspects of the installation trailer 10 aredescribed above.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of theinstallation trailer 10 shown in FIGS. 14-19 in the collapsedconfiguration. In the illustrated embodiment, the side structuralmembers 80 have moved in toward one another via the hinges 270 so thatthe installation trailer 10 has the collapsed system width 140. Inaddition, the containment flange extensions 308 have been retracted intothe containment flanges 260 and the containment flanges 260 rotatedcircumferentially 36 to reduce the height 286 of the installationtrailer 10, thereby reducing the size and associated costs and logisticsassociated with shipping or transporting the installation trailer 10. Inaddition, the leaves 370 have folded inward to be approximatelyperpendicular to the axial axis 32, thereby moving the front section 330toward the rear side 72 and reducing the length 332 of the installationtrailer 10.

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of theinstallation trailer 10 shown in FIG. 20 , but from the front side 70.Again, the leaves 370 are shown folded inward to be approximatelyperpendicular to the axial axis 32, thereby moving the front section 330toward the rear side 72 and reducing the length 332 of the installationtrailer 10. Other aspects of the installation trailer 10 are describedabove.

FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the installationtrailer 10 shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 . In the illustrated embodiment, thecontainment flanges 260 are rotated circumferentially 36 to reduce thediameter of the containment flanges 260, thereby reducing the height 286of the installation trailer 10 in the retracted configuration. Inaddition, the front section 330 is moved toward the rear side 72,thereby reducing the length 332 of the installation trailer 10.

FIG. 23 is a top view of the embodiment of the installation trailer 10shown in FIGS. 20-22 . In the illustrated embodiment, the front section330 is located retracted away from the front side 70 (e.g., toward therear side 72) since the installation trailer 10 is in the collapsedconfiguration. Accordingly, the installation trailer 10 is shown withthe collapsed system width 140. Other aspects of the installationtrailer 10 are described above.

FIG. 24 illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of the installationtrailer 10 shown in FIGS. 20-23 . As shown in FIG. 24 , the installationtrailer 10 has the collapsed system width 140. Other aspects of theinstallation trailer 10 are described above.

FIG. 25 illustrates a front view of the embodiment of the installationtrailer 10 shown in FIGS. 20-24 . In the illustrated embodiment, theleaves 370 are approximately perpendicular with the axial axis 32,thereby enabling the installation trailer 10 to have collapsed systemwidth 140. Other aspects of the installation trailer 10 are describedabove.

While the present disclosure has been described with respect to alimited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefitof this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments may bedevised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure asdescribed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure should belimited only by the attached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a trailer frame; a lifting mechanism coupled to the trailer frame, wherein the lifting mechanism is configured to raise or lower a coil of pipe or a reel of pipe via a first pair of j-shaped hooks; and a hydraulic power unit configured to hydraulically power the system.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein openings of the first pair of j-shaped hooks face upwards.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first pair of j-shaped hooks are configured to be raised and lowered via hydraulic cylinders.
 4. The system of claim 1, comprising a second pair of j-shaped hooks located below the first pair of j-shaped hooks.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first pair of j-shaped hooks are mechanically coupled to the second pair of j-shaped hooks, and wherein the first pair of j-shaped hooks and the second pair of j-shaped hooks are configured to be raised and lowered via hydraulic cylinders.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first pair of j-shaped hooks are configured to receive a support bar of a drum assembly configured to handle the coil of pipe or a reel axle of the reel of pipe.
 7. The system of claim 1, comprising a braking mechanism configured to apply pressure to the pipe while the pipe is being deployed by the system, wherein the braking mechanism is hydraulically powered by a brake hydraulic cylinder and comprises a beam pushed against the pipe in a direction of motion in line with a direction of motion of the brake hydraulic cylinder.
 8. The system of claim 1, comprising two containment flanges coupled to the lifting mechanism, wherein the containment flanges are configured to move toward or apart from one another independently from the trailer frame.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein each of the containment flanges comprises one or more flange extensions configured to extend radially out from the containment flange.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein each of the containment flanges comprises drive sections configured to engage with a support bar of a drum assembly used to support the coil of pipe or a reel axle of the reel.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the drive sections comprise an opening with a shape complementary to that of the support bar or the reel axle such that rotation of the support bar or the reel axle causes rotation of the containment flanges.
 12. The system of claim 8, comprising one or more containment posts coupled to the containment flanges, wherein the containment posts are configured to enable the containment flanges to move toward or apart from one another.
 13. A method, comprising: providing a trailer comprising: a trailer frame; a lifting mechanism coupled to the trailer frame, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a first pair of j-shaped hooks; and a hydraulic power unit configured to hydraulically power the trailer; coupling a first coil of pipe or a first reel of pipe to the first pair of j-shaped hooks of the lifting mechanism; adjusting a vertical position of the first coil of pipe or the first reel of pipe via the lifting mechanism; and deploying the pipe via rotation of the first coil of pipe or the first reel of pipe.
 14. The method of claim 13, comprising raising and lowering the first pair of j-shaped hooks via hydraulic cylinders.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a second pair of j-shaped hooks located below the first pair of j-shaped hooks.
 16. The method of claim 15, comprising coupling a second coil of pipe with a diameter less than that of the first coil of pipe to the second pair of j-shaped hooks or coupling a second reel of pipe with a diameter less than that of the first reel of pipe to the second pair of j-shaped hooks.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the first pair of j-shaped hooks are mechanically coupled to the second pair of j-shaped hooks, and comprising raising and lowering the first pair of j-shaped hooks and the second pair of j-shaped hooks via hydraulic cylinders.
 18. The method of claim 13, comprising receiving a support bar of a drum assembly configured to handle the first coil of pipe in the first pair of j-shaped hooks or receiving a reel axle of the first reel of pipe in the first pair of j-shaped hooks.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the trailer comprises a braking mechanism that is hydraulically powered by a brake hydraulic cylinder, and comprising applying pressure to the deploying pipe via the braking mechanism by pushing a beam against the pipe in a direction of motion in line with a direction of motion of the brake hydraulic cylinder.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the trailer comprises two containment flanges coupled to the lifting mechanism, and comprising moving the containment flanges toward or apart from one another independently from the trailer frame. 